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By Congresswoman Virginia Foxx

As the 109th Congress draws to a close it is important to reflect upon the major steps we've taken to secure our nation and strengthen our economy. We are facing a critical time in our nation’s history and this Congress has reacted with resolve and real solutions to ensure the security of the American people and invigorate our economy to help all realize the American dream. Congress has moved in the right direction, focusing on winning the Global War on Terror, providing tax relief and bringing fiscal accountability to government spending.

First and foremost, we are undoubtedly a safer nation due to the actions of the 109th Congress. This Congress passed numerous bills that will help prevent future terrorist attacks as well as legislation to end the flow of illegal aliens across our border. This Congress reauthorized the PATRIOT Act, a key piece of legislation initially drafted after the 9/11 attacks. The reauthorization included improved communication among intelligence agencies and their ability to conduct terrorist surveillance, while also updating our laws to adapt to new technologies. Make no mistake. The fact that we have not experienced an attack on American soil is not due to a lack of effort on behalf of the terrorists. It is because of Congress and the Administration’s policies to protect Americans and fight terrorism.

Illegal immigration and national security are inextricably linked, and the possibility of terrorists infiltrating our country undetected across our borders is far too real. The 109th Congress passed several bills now signed into law which are critical in protecting our homeland. The Secure Fence Act authorizes the construction of 700 miles of two-layered reinforced fencing along the southwest border and was recently signed into law as was the FY 2007 Homeland Security Appropriations Conference Report which appropriates $2.77 billion to add new border patrol agents and $1.2 billion for border fencing and state of the art surveillance equipment to maintain operational control of our borders. Also signed into law was the Border Tunnel Prevention Act which criminalizes border tunnel construction and carries penalties of 20 years in prison for creating or financing a tunnel.

The House of Representatives passed additional bills dealing with illegal immigration such as a bill to end the “catch and release” policy for illegals caught crossing our borders and legislation that protects our communities from criminal aliens and expedites the deportation of illegal aliens.

The Congress also passed the Secure and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act which was signed into law and will provide the necessary resources to secure our ports and protect them from terrorism by enhancing the ability to track and screen containers entering U.S. ports. It is clear that this Congress is committed to protecting our homeland and all Americans, as we are taking the necessary measures to secure our ports and our borders.

Another major accomplishment of this Congress was legislation signed into law to establish Military Tribunals to try terrorists and preserve the national security program to detain and question terrorists. It is critical to protect this policy as it has saved lives and will continue to save lives by obtaining information on terrorist plots before the terrorists can act.

The economy is stronger than ever; the Dow Jones Industrial Average recently set a record of over 12,000, homeownership is at its highest levels, including minority ownership and unemployment is down to a historic rate. Job growth has continued at a steady pace, as there have been 37 consecutive months of job creation. The White House recently announced that the deficit was cut in half three years ahead of schedule, the price of gas is falling and individual income is on the rise. It is the initiatives of this Congress, such as the House voting to permanently end the “death tax” and tax relief across the board including the Child Tax Credit and the Deficit Reduction Act which has created a robust and growing economy, one that reflects strong consumer confidence and positive signs of future growth.

I worked with many of my colleagues in Congress to take great strides to improve all aspects of Americans’ lives. The House passed an earmark reform bill that will provide greater transparency in government spending and discourage frivolous spending. Congress also addressed the issue of energy independence with the House passing the Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act to develop oil and natural gas reserves on the energy rich Outer-Continental Shelf of the United States. Congress must continue to pursue resource exploration as American’s deserve the security of energy independence.

The 109th Congress has been tremendously successful in taking the necessary steps to secure our nation and grow our economy. We have tackled illegal immigration and terrorism in addition to putting forth policies that have grown our economy. We have not experienced another terrorist attack and have put the terrorists on the run, while at the same time helping those who crave self sufficiency by implementing policies of tax relief to strengthen our economy. While Congress’ work is never finished, we drastically advanced and strengthened our nation and its future.

Editor’s Note: Virginia Foxx is a United States Representative from North Carolina’s Fifth Congressional District. You may contact her office toll free at 1-866-677-8968 or e-mail her from her website, www.foxx.house.gov.

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